Blackburn Empire Theatre is a charity and volunteer-led community theatre in the heart of Lancashire.
They host drama, music, comedy and the popular Monday Afternoon Club, which is a vital lifeline for many local people.
They operate with a handful of staff and a committed team of volunteers and for almost twenty years, they have been at the heart of our local community.
Many people will know, Michael, their Chairman is often heard asking the audiences at shows to place a donation in the rattling bucket at the end of the show and people are always very generous.
Since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, the bucket is empty and their ticket and bar sales, of course have disappeared. Their costs have not disappeared though and the added costs of planning for the future is putting a real strain on the theatre.
In these difficult times, they want to make sure the theatre can continue to support the arts, entertain and be the home for drama clubs, dance groups and more.
So, Michael is back, rattling his virtual bucket, and asking you to support The Blackburn Empire in these difficult times.
Michael said: “Everyone has worked so hard over the years to build this community asset, so even though the theatre is closed, I am asking you to support us through these tough times.
“So please support us with a donation, however small to help us keep the Blackburn Empire on the map.”